Freshwater scarcity continues to be a pressing challenge in Pacific SIDS due to limited freshwater sources, deficient infrastructure, climate variability, and poor water governance. Women are disproportionately affected by these challenges, as they bear the primary responsibility for securing household water during shortages, leading to increased workloads. Despite their fundamental role, women’s representation in water governance remains restricted, often remaining symbolic.

Through innovative field studies conducted in rural villages of Fiji’s archipelago, this publication sheds light on the gendered dimensions of water access and management under climate change. The research highlights women’s pioneering role in adaptive water practices while underscoring persistent barriers to their full participation in public and private water decision-making.